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“We live in a time of unprecedented global challenge and change,” Sturgeon told the Members of the Scottish Parliament during her speech on Tuesday.

“The programme that I have set out today and the legislation is fresh, bold, and ambitious, and because of that aspects of it will undoubtedly be controversial. That is inevitable — indeed, it is necessary. No-one has ever built a better country by always taking the easy option.”

She added: “At its heart is this ambition — to make our country the best place in the world to grow up and be educated, the best place to live, work, visit, and do business, the best place to be cared for in times of sickness, need, or vulnerability, and the best place to grow old.”

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said her party could support some of the policies, but warned caution was necessary.

“Given what we know of this Scottish government, we will wait to see whether today’s warm words are backed up by action before making a judgement.”

3. Automatic Pardons for Those Convicted of Homosexual Offences

Scotland will be joining England and Wales in pardoning those convicted of same-sex offences, when homosexuality was still a crime.

It’s expected that up to 5,000 men, both living and dead, could be pardoned by Scotland’s introduction of the so-called “Turing law” — named after World War Two code-breaker Alan Turing, who was pardoned in 2013.

“Governments are waking up to the frightening scale of ocean plastic pollution and it’s brilliant to see Scotland leading the way in helping to tackle it,” Willie Mackenzie, Greenpeace’s oceans expert, told the Guardian.

“Today’s announcement by the first minister is a massive step in stopping plastic pollution, and the result of tireless campaigning by many groups and individuals.”

He added: “Hopefully it won’t be too long before the rest of the UK follows suit.”

Global Citizen campaigns to achieve the Global Goals, including No.14 for Life Below Water, and No.15 for Life on Land. You can take action with us here.

5. Education Reform to Close the Class Gap

The Scottish government will be improving the country’s education system, with Sturgeon saying that her number one priority is to close the attainment gap between the wealthiest and the poorest pupils.

An Education Bill would be the centrepiece of the legislative programme for the year ahead, reported the BBC.

It will “reform the way teachers are recruited and educated throughout their careers” said Sturgeon, with “new routes into teaching to attract the highest-quality graduates into priority areas and subjects.”

6. Financial Support for Innovative Industries

Sturgeon has also unveiled plans for a Scottish National Investment Bank, to deliver long term financial support for innovative industries.

She said the time was right to “open a discussion about how responsible and progressive use” of Holyrood’s new tax powers could “help build the kind of country we want to be.”

This is reported to include support for key business sectors including low carbon, manufacturing, and financial technology.